Let Us Pray has been pointing out for some time (for example in the Critic and the Belfast News Letter) that the leading activist group pushing for a conversion therapy ban is, ludicrously, calling for it to cover “private prayer” and “casual conversations”. You might have thought that the ‘Ban Conversion Therapy’ campaign would quickly… Continue reading Leading activists still calling for “private prayer” ban
Author: Let us Pray
A ban on “just conversations and suggestions”
A recent opinion piece published by Thomson Reuters claims that ‘conversion therapy’ must be banned by the new PM, Liz Truss. The ban must include transgenderism, the young author says, and should cover religious practices. But the article cites one story of what ‘conversion therapy’ supposedly looks like: “just conversations and suggestions”. An account of… Continue reading A ban on “just conversations and suggestions”
‘A conversion therapy ban could criminalise parents’, warns Revd Dr Matthew Roberts
Last week we had the pleasure of sitting down with official Let Us Pray supporter Revd Dr Matthew Roberts to discuss Government plans to ban conversion therapy. You may remember that last December he helped author a letter to Liz Truss – the Minister for Women and Equalities at the time – which was signed… Continue reading ‘A conversion therapy ban could criminalise parents’, warns Revd Dr Matthew Roberts
A new ban on child abuse?
The activist group leading the campaign for a broad conversion therapy ban says new legislation is needed to prevent children being abused by their parents. It cites the story of Richie Barlow, who says he underwent ‘conversion therapy’ as a child. Later, he was taken into care after being physically abused by his mother. He… Continue reading A new ban on child abuse?
‘Not using preferred pronouns is conversion therapy’ – new international guidance
The ‘World Professional Association for Transgender Health’ (WPATH) has issued new guidance on medical healthcare for trans people. Known as ‘Standards of Care version 8’, the new guidance says that ‘conversion therapy’ includes not using the new name or chosen ‘pronouns’ of a trans young person. The guidance also includes horrifying recommendations for medical professionals,… Continue reading ‘Not using preferred pronouns is conversion therapy’ – new international guidance
Jayne Ozanne: asking for the impossible
If you regularly read our blog, the name Jayne Ozanne will be familiar. She is the chair of the Ban Conversion Therapy campaign and an outspoken advocate for a ban that captures the ordinary work of churches. She sat on the Government’s LGBT Advisory Panel when it first devised plans for a ban, and is… Continue reading Jayne Ozanne: asking for the impossible
Northern Ireland Finance Department funds conversion therapy activists
The Northern Ireland Department of Finance continues to fund Ban Conversion Therapy backer Stonewall, the Belfast News Letter has revealed. The controversial group has received £2,500 from the Department of Finance to be part of its ‘Stonewall Champions’ employers scheme. Other contentious funding decisions in NI require cross-party support, but the Finance Minister Conor Murphy… Continue reading Northern Ireland Finance Department funds conversion therapy activists
LGBT wings of SNP and Scottish Greens to march on Holyrood
The LGBT wings of both governing parties in Scotland are to protest their own Government, calling on it to be ‘bolder’ in pursuing a trans agenda. Out for Independence (SNP) and Rainbow Greens have taken the unusual decision to march on Holyrood when Parliament returns after the summer recess next Monday. They are calling for… Continue reading LGBT wings of SNP and Scottish Greens to march on Holyrood
Victoria: Green party councillor on dangers of conversion therapy ban
The dangers of the repressive ‘conversion therapy’ ban in Victoria, Australia, are now widely known. But it was still a surprise to some when a councillor for the Victorian Green Party began to raise concerns. Comments made by Councillor Rohan Leppert, who describes himself as gay, were leaked after he expressed apprehensions about the Bill… Continue reading Victoria: Green party councillor on dangers of conversion therapy ban
The intriguing history of the campaign to ban conversion therapy
Campaign group, Sex Matters, has questioned the thinking behind banning conversion therapy in a report titled ‘Why ban talking therapy?’ The report suggests that prior to a Westminster Government LGBT survey in 2018, almost no one was interested in a ban. What made the change, they say, were the results which claimed that 2% of… Continue reading The intriguing history of the campaign to ban conversion therapy